Esophageal spasms are a muscle disorder that affects the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Its main job is to carry food and liquids into the stomach for digestion.
When you swallow, the muscles in the esophagus contract to push the food and liquids down into the stomach. In people with esophageal spasms, these muscles contract abnormally, causing pain and discomfort.
Types of Esophageal Spasms
There are two types of esophageal spasms:.
1. Diffuse Esophageal Spasm (DES)
Diffuse esophageal spasm affects the smooth muscles of the esophagus. The muscles contract abnormally, causing a squeezing sensation in the chest. This can make swallowing difficult and painful.
The symptoms of DES can be similar to those of a heart attack, which can be frightening for the patient.
2. Nutcracker Esophagus
Nutcracker esophagus affects the muscular part of the esophagus. The muscle contractions in this type of esophageal spasm are stronger than normal, causing a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest.
This can also make swallowing difficult and painful.
Causes of Esophageal Spasms
The exact cause of esophageal spasms is not known. However, some factors that may trigger esophageal spasms include:.
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- Reflux disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Achalasia (a condition that affects the ability of the esophagus to move food into the stomach)
- Anxiety or stress
- Ingestion of cold or hot liquids
- Spicy foods
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Some medications, such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers
Symptoms of Esophageal Spasms
The symptoms of esophageal spasms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only occasional, mild symptoms, while others may have severe and frequent symptoms. The most common symptoms of esophageal spasms include:.
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness or voice changes
Diagnosis of Esophageal Spasms
Esophageal spasms can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as angina or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
To diagnose esophageal spasms, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:.
- Esophageal manometry: This test measures the pressure and coordination of the muscles in the esophagus.
- Upper endoscopy: This test uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to look inside the esophagus and stomach.
- Barium swallow: This test involves swallowing a liquid that contains barium, which coats the inside of the esophagus and stomach. X-rays are then taken to show how the barium moves through the digestive tract.
- pH monitoring: This test involves inserting a small probe through the nose into the esophagus to measure the amount of acid that flows back from the stomach.
Treatment of Esophageal Spasms
There is no cure for esophageal spasms, but treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment may include:.
- Medications to relax the muscles in the esophagus, such as calcium channel blockers or nitrates.
- Botox injections to relax the muscles in the esophagus.
- Dilation therapy, which involves stretching the esophagus to relieve pressure and allow food and liquids to pass more easily.
- Surgery to remove the damaged part of the esophagus.
Preventing Esophageal Spasms
There is no surefire way to prevent esophageal spasms, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:.
- Avoiding triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals.
- Chewing food slowly and thoroughly.
- Taking time to relax and reduce stress.
Conclusion
Esophageal spasms can be a nightmare disorder, causing pain and discomfort that can interfere with daily life. Although there is no cure for esophageal spasms, there are treatment options available that can provide relief and improve quality of life.
If you are experiencing symptoms of esophageal spasms, talk to your doctor to understand your options.
